No Hidden Fees - Know Exactly What You Are Paying Before You Start
We explain every cost at the outset - UKVI government fees and our service fee - so you can plan with confidence.
Understanding the Costs
When budgeting for your UK Student Visa application, it is important to understand that there are two separate categories of cost: the official government fees set by UKVI, and the service fee charged by Vortex Ease for our guidance and support. These are entirely separate - Vortex Ease does not collect any UKVI fees on your behalf, and our service fee only covers the support we provide. Below is a transparent breakdown of both.
Government Fees (UKVI)
Note: All government fees are set by UKVI and are subject to change. Please refer to the official UKVI website for current figures. Vortex Ease does not collect these fees.
- Student Visa Application Fee: The UKVI Student Visa application fee is set by the UK government. As of the current policy, international students applying from outside the UK pay a specified government application fee. This fee is payable directly to UKVI when completing your online application form. The exact current fee is published on the official gov.uk website - please verify the latest figure before applying, as fees are subject to change.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory charge paid alongside your visa application. It grants you access to NHS services during your time in the UK. The IHS is calculated based on the total length of your visa - for students, it covers the full course duration plus any additional visa period granted. The current IHS rate for students per year of the visa is published on the gov.uk IHS calculator. These rates are subject to change and you should verify the current figure at the time of your application.
- Follow the identity instructions in your online application. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve an identity app or an appointment with the current official service provider. Check the instructions and any appointment charges before booking.
Vortex Ease Service Fee
Ask the team for the current service scope and a written quotation for your circumstances. Vortex Ease service charges are separate from university and government charges.
- Initial eligibility assessment - reviewing your profile against current UKVI requirements
- Personalised document checklist and thorough document review before submission
- UKVI online application form guidance - we review your completed form before final submission
- Biometrics appointment guidance - advice on booking, timing, and what to bring
- Post-decision guidance - including official eVisa information and next steps upon approval
Every application is different, and our exact service fee depends on the nature and complexity of your case. Contact us for a clear, upfront quote with no hidden charges.
Other Costs to Budget For
Beyond the UKVI fees and the Vortex Ease service fee, there are several other costs you may need to budget for. None of these involve Vortex Ease - they are third-party costs you manage directly.
- English language test fees - IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or equivalent (fees vary by provider and location)
- Document translation and certified translation costs if any of your documents are not in English
- Follow the identity instructions in your online application. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve an identity app or an appointment with the current official service provider. Check the instructions and any appointment charges before booking.
Important: All government and UKVI fees quoted are for general guidance only and are subject to change without notice. Always verify current fees on the official UKVI website. Vortex Ease service fees are separate and do not include government fees. We do not guarantee visa approvals.
Current official guidance
Requirements can change. Check the linked official information for your circumstances; institution and visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities.